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Published: December 18th 2008
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After 5 days in Phuket, which was a bit longer than we intended to stay, but we encountered a few tummy troubles along the way, so thought it best to stay put rather than make the 2 ferry journey to Koh Lanta. Which was probably a good idea... We left our hotel in Surin Beach at 7am to make the 8am ferry to Phi Phi Island, which was the first ferry trip of our journey and took about and hour and 40 minutes. There wasn't a whole lot to see on the journey from Phuket Town to Phi Phi, but as soon as we arrived in Phi Phi it was beautiful looking. The bay where the ferries pull in has some amazing looking tall cliffs and some of the clearest looking water. There were a tonne of boats of all sizes in the bay here, and hotels and buildings all over. This was one of the harder hit areas by the Tsunami in 2004 in Thailand, however it looks like they are getting it back together. It only really looked like one or 2 areas of construction and rubble, although we didn't get a closer look as we were onto the
next ferry to Koh Lanta. It definately was a sobering thought though to pull into such a beautiful area (like Phuket as well) and you can't even imagine what it must have been like for everyone at that time, and the years after. The Thai people have such a great spirit and kindness to them, it is amazing to see them recovering and moving on with such positive attitudes.
Our next ferry was a much smaller boat and took us about an hour to reach Koh Lanta. Our plan was to stay the first couple nights in one of the busier areas, although for Koh Lanta the busier areas are nothing compared to areas like Patong and some of the other beach areas in Phuket. With it coming into high season we had booked ahead as we weren't sure how busy it was going to be, and weren't quite sure how we were getting around and didn't want to trek around looking at different resorts with all our gear. It was also good as we didn't get too bombarded as we got off the ferry by people trying to get you to stay at their hotel - bit hard
Phra-Ae Beach on Koh Lanta.
In front of Lanta Pavillion where we were staying. to make a decision that way, but good for bargaining! We stayed at the Lanta Pavillion, another hotel we found on the internet, and it was a bit cheaper which we thought would be good for a couple days. And for some reason they upgraded us to one of the new bungalows, so we were paying 1400 THB (about $55 AUD including breakfast) for what they said was a 2400 THB a night room. So we weren't complaining. It wasn't to bad of a resort, it was on the smaller side and the staff was really friendly, although we thought the beach was better in other areas definately.
Since we were moving onto another resort for 6 days and is supposed to be pretty quiet, we decided we better stock up on the books! Yup even Brett.... Not a magazine... a book... Although he will only read Non-Fiction, but still...We rented a scooter for the day and headed into Baan Saladan the main town area on Koh Lanta and to a used book store, where we stocked up and also did a little shopping. Some cheap deals, and have to say some of our best bargaining in years. Maybe
we are learning...
The La Laanta Hideway Resort picked us up after 3 days at the other hotel and we were on our way. It is situated at the very south end of Koh Lanta and is the last resort before the Mu Koh Lanta National Park. It was about an hours drive, and the road eventually turns to dirt and gets very steep with some huge pot holes on the way in. Would hate to be doing it on your own and in the dark, especially after some rain. Would be a pretty slippery drive! We even saw a monkey and 2 little babies on the road on the way in, just didn't have the camera handy.
Once we arrived at La Laanta, we quickly realized we didn't want to leave! It is absolutely beautiful, and from the moment we got their and were greeted by June, one of the owners, we knew we would be adding a few extra days to our original plan. The resort is made up of 20 bungalows all angled to have somewhat of a view, the pools are at the centre in the front and you can sit in the pool
and watch the sunset every night. The beach is quiet and beautiful and only 2 other small resorts in the bay. The 4 owners, who were there everyday, along with their amazing staff, (and the dogs and cats), really welcome everyone who stays into their family and they really make this resort. Never experienced anything like it! They have really planned it to take advantage and also blend in with its surroundings and provide things like free WiFi, free dvd's, books, kayaks to really make it comfortable for everyone. The bungalow we are staying in was 2800 THB a nite, which works out to about 115 AUD, and includes a full breakfast, with June's homemade bread and banana pancakes. The restaurant and beach bar are great as well, with food averaged priced for what we have experienced, and some of the best cocktails made by Mackie the bartender.
It definately is the relaxing spot we were looking for and needless to say out the window go our plans to travel to a few other islands on the Gulf side of Thailand.... oh well next trip..... Although this place may keep calling us back I am sure....
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